Rye Boys Varsity Football was welcomed back to town on Sunday evening with a Rye PD & FD escort to Rye High School. Friends, parents and families celebrated with the championship Garnets, after they won the NYSPHSAA Class B championship versus Maine-Endwell 28 – 7 on Sunday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse.
“I, and am sure, the whole City Council, enthusiastically congratulates the Garnets,” said Rye Mayor Josh Cohn. “This win represents years of work on the part of the athletes, not to mention the coaching and supporting staff. And in combination with the girls’ soccer win? Fantastic!”
“Like any true blue Rye resident, I saw the first part of the game at Kelly’s Sea Level with long time local friends,” said Rye guy and Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who along with State Assemblyman Steve Otis and State Senator Shelley Mayor had a successful wager on the game. “The team played a disciplined, focused game – minimal mistakes, grind out the yardage and eat up the clock – a sign of mature players and top quality coaching. The outcome, predicted by my friend Steve Feeney, beat the oddsmakers and along with our HS Girls Soccer Team, has brought pride to all of our community. My colleagues from Broome County, where Maine-Endwell HS is located, have been gracious in defeat, and I will share whatever we won in our bet with the leaders of our schools, who have shown they know how to raise academics and athletics to the highest levels.”
“Hooray for an outstanding season, a stunning playoff run, and a tremendous championship game!,” said Rye guy, State Assemblyman and fellow bettor Steve Otis. “Congratulations to the Rye High Varsity Football Team, players, coaches, support team, cheerleaders, parents, and the school district for an exciting season and the accomplishment of the first state football title since 2008. The strength of the play, strategy, and execution on Sunday against an outstanding defending champion Maine-Endwell team was made possible through everyone’s dedicated work and support. Congratulations to our Garnets and Coach Dino Garr for this exceptional run. The game will go down as one of the most impressive efforts in Rye football history.”
”I couldn’t be more excited for the Rye High School Varsity Football team and the entire Rye community!,” said State Senator Shelley Mayer. “This is an outstanding accomplishment and one that makes us all proud! Congratulations Garnets and Coach Garr! I look forward to sharing the special local treats from our colleagues with the winning players and staff.”
I will never stop bragging about Rye! I’m thankful to have grown up in that great town and treasure the memories and family connections I still have there.